ITF: A temporary ceasefire is not enough

April 11 ------ The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East and the agreement to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz over the coming two weeks.

Following the two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, the situation remains fragile. Regional violence continues and uncertainty persists over whether a lasting peace will be achieved.

According to the United Nations, around 20,000 seafarers are still stranded on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as the war in the Middle East was in full swing. Many others have been injured in attacks on vessels and some have lost their lives. "For the hundreds of seafarers of all nationalities caught in the middle of this crisis, this announcement will bring real and immediate relief, that must now be translated into safe, orderly and guaranteed transit through the Strait. That has to be the priority," said Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, adding that civilian seafarers should never have been exposed to the risks of warfare, nor should commercial vessels ever be considered targets.

However, a temporary ceasefire is not enough, it must be the start of a permanent de-escalation. "We call on all parties to make this ceasefire permanent and to uphold their responsibilities under international law to protect civilian shipping and the seafarers who keep it moving," Cotton highlighted.

To guarantee the safety of seafarers and the integrity of global supply chains, the ITF calls for:

• An absolute commitment from all parties that civilian vessels will not be targeted.

• A coordinated management of vessel movements through the Strait with phased transits to ensure safe and orderly transit.

Cotton further commented that the ITF will continue to work closely with shipowners, industry partners and governments in the Gulf, alongside key labor-supplying nations, to ensure seafarers’ concerns and needs are heard – and their safety, dignity and basic needs are delivered. “We will priorities working with our industry partners to ensure that seafarers who have been stranded in the Gulf are repatriated and reunited with their loved ones without delay,” said Cotton.

So far, the industry has welcomed the long-awaited pause in hostilities, placing particular emphasis on the wellbeing, welfare and relief of the thousands of seafarers caught in the middle of the conflict.

The ITF’s statement echoes comments made by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who noted that he is working with relevant parties to implement an appropriate mechanism to ensure the safe transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as to facilitate evacuations that guarantee safe navigation.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary-General, Thomas Kazakos, also reaffirmed the organization’s willingness to assist in coordinating efforts between industry stakeholders and nation-states, both within and outside the Gulf region, to help restore freedom of navigation.

Source: safety4sea.com